Disability Doesn’t Stop Chris Kaag, He Founded IM ABLE To Make Sure Others Can Realize Their Potential Despite A Disability

Disability Doesn’t Stop Chris Kaag, He Founded IM ABLE To Make Sure Others Can Realize Their Potential Despite A Disability.

Chris Kaag, a disabled former Marine, tells Zeke about the IM ABLE Foundation he founded in 2007. Kaag tells Zeke that the idea was to build and support active lifestyles for individuals with disabilities. Kaag, who lost the use of his legs because of a degenerative nerve disorder called adrenomyeloneuropathy, tells Zeke that IM ABLE's goal is to help all individuals realize the potential to go further and push harder than their preconceived limits. Kaag says that once this potential is realized, the possibilities are endless. With handcycles, racing chairs, adaptive skis and other advances in technology, it is possible for anyone who has a disability to increase their fitness level. Kaag tells Zeke that people should never forget to appreciate what they can do and get up and move.

"Unfortunately being disabled is not cheap," Kaag tells Zeke. "We want to provide adaptive equipment grants (through fundraising)... to allow people with adaptive challenges to get out as much as possible. It gives people the ability to feel quote normal unquote. There are so many great technologies that allow people to do different things. At a recent bash, we were able to fund a woman with no hands and one leg to get her fit for a bike. You have to get a body in condition. It's amazing to see what these recipients can accomplish ... figure out what it is you're able to do, then use us as a resource to get fitted with adaptive equipment."

Kaag tells Zeke that his Corps Fitness facility interacts with his IM ABLE Foundation. "Corps Fitness is the only adaptive inclusive facility (around here) ... we have inclusive fitness classes, including all cognitive abilities." Kaag also tells Zeke that "dealing with peers helps to motivate you and inspire you."